Northern Ireland

Legacy and Brexit dominate second day of fresh talks process

Yesterday's talks concluded at Stormont Castle with a meeting between the five party leaders and the two governments
Yesterday's talks concluded at Stormont Castle with a meeting between the five party leaders and the two governments Yesterday's talks concluded at Stormont Castle with a meeting between the five party leaders and the two governments

DISCUSSIONS on legacy and Brexit dominated the second day of the fresh round of Stormont talks aimed at restoring devolution.

Yesterday’s negotiations concluded with the five party leaders meeting the two governments at Stormont Castle.

However, in contrast to Monday’s opening day of what is designed to be a more structured and intensive process, the participants chose not to speak to the media afterwards.

The talks are expected to continue today with a series of bilateral meetings between the parties.

A deadline of the end of next week – Good Friday – has been set for their conclusion.

Secretary of State James Brokenshire said last week that he would move legislation to restore the devolved institutions if there was a successful resolution by the time Westminster returns from its Easter recess on Tuesday April 18.

The Tory MP said the British government would consider a return to direct rule if the latest talks failed.

Yesterday he called on members of the business community to encourage political parties "to deliver a functioning and effective Executive so we can continue to build an economy that works for everyone".

Speaking following a meeting with his Business Advisory Group in Belfast, Mr Brokenshire said: "Securing strong, stable, devolved institutions in Northern Ireland that will provide leadership, support innovation and boost skills will be integral to delivering on

Northern Ireland's potential as a place to invest and do business".

"It is, therefore, vital that devolved government is returned to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and the Government's clear focus is on achieving that," he said.

Civil service head Malcolm McKibbin has taken on the role of chairing one strand of the negotiations, though he is not believed to be involved in the discussions around legacy or those relating to the Irish language.

The two governments have put in place a more structured process than the three-week long post-election negotiations that ended without agreement.

They have promised "an intensive process to drive progress".

SDLP negotiator Colin McGrath told The Irish News last night that the parties faced "significant challenges" if they were to reach a comprehensive resolution.

"A resolution that sees the restoration of power sharing is possible but it will require significant work over the coming days, particularly in the area of legacy where the most fundamental challenges remain," he said.

"Public anger and disillusionment with the political institutions will only grow if agreement is not reached. All parties are keenly aware of the need to make this work."